Gerald Peterson

1932 - 2024

Gerald Peterson
04/28/2024
With a heavy heart, we report the loss of Dr. Gerald "Gerry" Alan Peterson, also known as Bud. He was blessed with a beautiful life with an amazing wife, children, grandchildren and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Dr. Cynthia Wyeth Peterson. He leaves his son Tycho (Michelle) and his daughter Celeste (Johan) and his grandchildren William, Annabelle, Siri and Anna. He also leaves his nieces and nephews Patricia Pluskal, Robert Peterson, Catherine Blake, Thomas Peterson, Kirsten Donohue, Mark Peterson, and Scott Peterson. He lived in Middle Haddam, CT for over sixty years where he had many close friends and neighbors. He was born on January 25th, 1932, in Minneapolis, the second son of Margaret O'Neill Peterson and Robert W. Peterson. His brothers Robert Peterson and Neil Peterson predeceased him. Gerald and Cynthia married in Oslo Norway in 1957.
Gerry was a theoretical physicist and a mentor to many. He had broad interests and insights in scientific fields from quantum mechanics to astrophysics. He worked as Principal Scientist in Theoretical Physics at United Technologies and contributed to projects from semiconductors to mathematical modeling of lasers. He was regional director of the American Physical Society and frequently participated in the Physics Department seminars at UConn, where Cynthia was a Professor of Astronomy. Early in his career, he worked in the Applied Math Program at Harvard University. He earned his PhD in Theoretical Physics in 1960 from Cornell University, where he met his wife Cynthia, a fellow PhD student. During his dissertation, Gerry worked in Los Alamos National Labs on nuclear-powered rockets with his close friend Bruce "Tuck" Knight and studied in Oslo as part of a Fulbright Award. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with a B.A. in Physics and Math with summa cum laude honors in three years.
As a child growing up in Minneapolis, he developed a love for science and engineering along with his dear friend Bill Volna. Gerry and Bill met in kindergarten and were best friends for life. They attended public schools together, were members of the Inventors Club at Edison High School and designed and built their own telescopes. Their interest in astronomy and chasing eclipses was something that they shared their whole life. In 1949, Gerry graduated from Edison High School as Class President and Valedictorian.
Gerry loved to share his joy in physics and other subjects with his family, his students and his local community. He read alongside his children in physics and poetry classes, taught at Wesleyan University and the University of Hartford, and generously volunteered his time to help the neighborhood children with their math and physics classes. He was a patient and knowledgeable tutor, gently delighting in the beauty of an equation and believing that everyone could benefit from learning physics, regardless of their background. He encouraged and supported his wife and daughter in their careers in science.
Throughout his life, Gerry was cheerful and welcoming to his family and friends. He frequently told his family how much he loved them and how lucky he was. For those close to him, he listened thoughtfully, was empathetic, and gave sound advice. His capacity for friendship and wonderful sense of humor were well appreciated. He usually had a witty remark, for example telling people he never felt richer than when he was a poor graduate student, when he had amazing friends who all sailed, brewed beer and cross country skied in Ithaca together. Later in life, he enjoyed annual rituals with his wife, children and friends, such as canoeing trips to the Pine Barrens, climbing Mt. Monadnock, antiquing in Vermont, and the Hartford Stage and Metropolitan Opera. He appreciated all things beautiful – a Puccini aria, East Asian art, or a fall hike – and sharing them with his loved ones. He felt particularly fortunate to have settled in Middle Haddam, where he and Cynthia had a close group of friends and kind neighbors who often brought them meals.
Gerry volunteered for many causes, especially those that built community. Always smiling and considerate of everyone's feelings, he was quickly elected into leadership positions. He was on the Board of the Independent Day School and deftly served as Chair as the school transitioned. He supported the Middle Haddam library, first on the Board and then as President, where he established many cherished traditions such as a community seminar series, which continue to this day. He also served as Chair of the Middle Haddam Historical Society.
Gerry was laid to rest in Middle Haddam, CT next to his wife Cynthia. Donations in his name can be made to the Middle Haddam Public Library.